Lake City, FL · Member since 2016 · 4 posts · 0 votes
Hi I am looking at a couple properties that's about 4 1/2 hours from where I live. I want to make an offer but not sure how that works since I've not actually seen the property as yet. Only saw the pictures online. Any suggestions?
Investor · NW Indiana · Member since 2012 · 833 posts · 197 votes
9y
@Vanessa Murray I would take the 4 hrs drive and have it scheduled to see all of them. If not make sure you have a trusted inspector that can give you what each property needs. Either way you will probably need someone to inspect them if you are not sure what to look for. Keep in mind if you plan on holding theses that you should budget visiting them from time to time. Hope this helps.
Investor · NW Indiana · Member since 2012 · 833 posts · 197 votes
9y
@Vanessa Murray I would take the 4 hrs drive and have it scheduled to see all of them. If not make sure you have a trusted inspector that can give you what each property needs. Either way you will probably need someone to inspect them if you are not sure what to look for. Keep in mind if you plan on holding theses that you should budget visiting them from time to time. Hope this helps.
Real Estate Broker · MI · Member since 2014 · 594 posts · 183 votes
9y
Vanessa Murray perhaps you can search for inspectors and contractors here on BP who may be in the vicinity of the properties. They could be your boots on the ground once you have an accepted offer.
Obviously, make your offers contingent on inspections.
You may find local help here on BP by zip code or state.
Once you receive the reports and evaluated them I would have a lengthy discussion with your inspector/contractor and to challenge any concerns.
At that point you may decide to take a look at them in person.
I hope this helps.
All the best!
Lake City, FL · Member since 2016 · 4 posts · 0 votes
9y
@Scott Matthew C. thanks Scott. That's an excellent idea. I wasn't sure if I should make an offer without seeing the property but getting an inspection done would definitely make more sense before I even go.
Real Estate Broker · MI · Member since 2014 · 594 posts · 183 votes
9y
@Vanessa Murray it takes money to make money. Therefore, inspectors will charge a fee. You need to consider that as well. How serious are you about these properties is a question you have to ask yourself.
Let me know if you need any help finding local people.
Real Estate Investor · Encinitas, CA · Member since 2016 · 3k+ posts · 3k+ votes
9y
@Vanessa Murray Drive, make the drive, drive over, get in your car, drive...
Okay, you got the theme of my answer. So why do I think that way. Basically, I can't tell you how many properties I've seen that look 10 times better in the pictures that they do in "real life". Sometimes it's the qualify of the units themselves and sometimes it's the neighborhood. It might take 30 seconds or take 30 minutes to come to that conclusion but I'm betting you'll know within 5 minutes. If you pay an inspector they'll tell you about hiccups in the property but it's simply not the same as walking it yourself. Anyway, my two cents...
And this is from a guy that has to fly 4 hours to see properties where I invest. I still fly out before making an offer and/or ordering an inspection.